Byrne handed driving ban

Wales' Grand Slam full-back Lee Byrne has been handed a two-month driving ban after he failed to stop at a red traffic light.

Wales' Grand Slam full-back Lee Byrne has been handed a two-month driving ban after he failed to stop at a red traffic light.

Byrne was caught jumping a red light in Cardiff last June and was lucky to escape a longer ban, but only because a six month ban would have caused him 'exceptional hardship' in attending numerous charity events.

The 27-year-old Ospreys star pleaded guilty to the offence by post, as well as a separate charge of failing to produce a valid driving licence – although there was no separate charge for that offence.

Speaking on Byrne's ban an unnamed Ospreys spokesperson stressed the importance of the player's charity work.

“All the players have a regular schedule of community and charity work on behalf of the club and on an individual basis,” the spokesperson told The Western Mail.

“They have to cover the breadth of Wales, from south Powys, to Swansea and Bridgend, which are not great public transport routes.

“Lee is always keen to get involved and attend charity events on an individual basis.

“This is part of their overall role as Ospreys players.

“It's not fair to highlight or pick out particular charities which would have been affected if Lee was banned for longer.

“Players, for example, can attend four charity events in one week, as well as school and rugby club visits.”